The preparation and characterization of iron mercury thiocyanate, FeH-(SCN)(4) (abbreviated as FMTC) are described. The spectroscopic properties were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), infrared, Raman and UV-Vis-NIR transmission spectra. The thermal stability and thermal decomposition of FMTC were investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The intermediates and final products of the thermal decomposition were identified by X-ray powder diffraction at room temperature. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.